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Resistance See other Resistance Articles Title: White House (No help to Texas) FEMA Defends No More Help Over Texas Wildfires The Federal Emergency Management Agency defended its decision to refuse more assistance for Texas in the wake of devastating wildfires, saying Wednesday that the state has already received sufficient U.S. government help. Late Tuesday, Gov. Rick Perry criticized the White House after learning that his April 16 request for a federal major disaster declaration and additional help had been rejected. The federal government has already provided Texas with grants for response activities, FEMA spokeswoman Rachel Racusen told The Associated Press in a statement. "FEMA has been in close contact with the state since the fires occurred, and based on the information they provided, it was determined that there was not a need for additional support at this time," Racusen said. "Over the past few months, FEMA has awarded over 20 fire management grants to the state, which provide targeted funding to help with firefighting efforts, including 16 in April alone." It's worth noting that in 2006 Texas was granted a disaster declaration, and $19 million in federal aid, after 1.9 million acres burned, according to FEMA. Wildfires since November have blackened at least 2.2 million acres and damaged or destroyed more than 400 homes across the state, yet this declaration app was denied. FEMA will continue to work closely with the state and local emergency management officials, Racusen said. Perry said the state will consider all its options, including an appeal which must take place within 30 days. "I am dismayed that this administration has denied Texans the much needed assistance they deserve," Perry said. "It is not only the obligation of the federal government, but its responsibility under law to help its citizens in times of emergency." The governor isn't alone in his fight for funds for Texas. Twice in the past month U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison have written to the Administration urging them to honor Perry's request. “When nearly 7,000 individual wildfires burn through more than 2.2. million acres, result in loss of life, and destroy homes, businesses, farms and ranches across the state, it’s hard to understand how these conditions don’t spell ‘disaster’ for this Administration," said Cornyn on Wednesday. "We’ve yet to enter the hottest months of the year and already wildfires have wreaked havoc in Texas – yet our state has not received sufficient federal disaster aid. I will not stop fighting until Texas receives its due attention from President Obama and his Administration.” Last week, Perry criticized President Barack Obama's administration for its speedy disaster declarations for areas hit by the tornadoes in the South that killed more than 300 people while Texas' request went unanswered. "You have to ask, 'Why are you taking care of Alabama and other states?' I know our letter didn't get lost in the mail," Perry said Thursday. His April 17 request for a disaster declaration for nearly all of the state's counties came before last week's wave of tornadoes and other damaging storms. A "major disaster declaration" would have made the state eligible for help in responding to and recovering from the emergency. Two firefighters died in separate incidents in April. Elias Macias Jaquez, who volunteered with the Cactus department, suffered severe burns. Gregory Mack Simmons, who was an Eastland firefighter, was killed after apparently being hit by a vehicle while in a smoke-filled area. More than 200 Texas counties have outdoor burn bans as scattered wildfires continue. West Texas remains critically dry, according to the Texas Forest Service. Copyright Associated Press / NBC Dallas-Fort Worth
Poster Comment: Great ! Secession ! Fuck the White House and FEMA ... get out !!!
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#10. To: noone222, *Texas!!* (#0)
FEMA will continue to work closely with the state and local emergency management officials, Racusen said. What the hell for, you sorry Obama-bitch?? This is payback for Obama not carrying Texas as well as Texas remaining a hotbed of resistance to "Hope and Change".
Bottom-line.
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